Alaska Wear Red Day - Friday, February 3, 2012

Published: January 23, 2012

WHAT:

The American Heart Association asks women and men to show their support for the fight against heart disease by wearing red on Friday, February 3, 2012. It’s an easy and powerful way to raise awareness and encourage women to take action.

Free materials for individuals, groups and companies that wish to organize Wear Red Day activities can be downloaded through a link on www.heart.org/anchorage.

Heart disease is the leading killer of women, claiming the life of a woman almost every minute, but is largely preventable. Three Alaskans share their survivor stories of how heart disease has affected their lives and are featured in the Alaska Wear Red Day campaign, showing how heart disease can affect women at any age.

Jennifer, Age 2

Jennifer was born with a congenital heart defect called Transposition of the Great Arteries. At 3 days old, she had open heart surgery in Portland, Oregon for survival. Jennifer is now a perfectly healthy, very smart and precocious 20 month old toddler!

Julie, age 40

Julie was born with a hole in her heart and at 12 years of age, she had a PDA Repair (Patent Ductus Arteriosus). She was always exhausted and got sick very often. Fortunately, shortly after the surgery, she was able to compete in running events. Now, she participates in marathons and half-marathons.

Vivian, age 60

As a result of a cold/flu virus that damaged her heart in 2002, Vivian was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, and high blood pressure. She has responded remarkably well to treatment, medication, cardiac rehab, and lifestyle changes. Today, she is able to work full time and volunteer in the community.